#United States #Johns Creek #Nichiha #ClarkDietrich #TRUFAST

A Groundbreaking Collaboration in Fire Safety

Nichiha USA, ClarkDietrich, and TRUFAST Walls have recently completed fire testing under NFPA 285-25 standards, introducing a revolutionary exterior wall assembly that enhances safety in building designs. This new wall system integrates Nichiha's premium fiber cement panels, providing an innovative approach to fire-resistant construction.

The recent tests involved a rigorous 30-minute burn period, allowing the team to collect vital data across various points of the wall assembly. This included a specially designed 1 1/4-inch ventilated cavity over 4 inches of polyiso continuous insulation, which accurately simulated real-world fire performance in extreme heat conditions.

The Importance of NFPA 285 Compliance

Passing the NFPA 285 test is a pivotal milestone for fire-safe wall construction. Max Rietschier, Technical Services Manager at Nichiha USA, stated, "Achieving this certification is a significant accomplishment in our wall design process." This collaboration merges Nichiha’s Architectural Wall Panels (AWP) with ClarkDietrich’s ProChannel™ CI sub-framing and TRUFAST Walls’ TubeSeal™ insulation fasteners, resulting in a superior wall assembly that excels in fire performance, ventilation, and energy efficiency.

What Makes the System Stand Out

The combined strength of these components offers several advantages:
1. Nichiha's Durable Fiber Cement Cladding: This material not only boasts a wide variety of colors, textures, and finishes but is also environmentally conscious and resilient against external elements.
2. ClarkDietrich’s ProChannel CI System: This sub-framing method ensures structural reliability and simplifies installation by working seamlessly with continuous insulation.
3. TRUFAST Walls TubeSeal Fasteners: These specialized fasteners are designed with a sealing mechanism that prevents water intrusion, enhancing the wall system's performance.

Without sacrificing aesthetic appeal, this system allows for superior control of air and water infiltration, minimizes thermal bridging, and upholds insulation integrity, meeting the stringent NFPA 285 compliance standards for exterior wall assemblies containing combustible components.

A Commitment to Innovation

Ryan Reed, Category Manager at ClarkDietrich, emphasized the core value of teamwork in their innovation process: "Collaboration is at the heart of our progress. Partnering with Nichiha and TRUFAST Walls to create this fully tested, NFPA 285-compliant system underscores our mutual commitment to building safer, smarter environments."

Nichiha’s collaboration signifies their ongoing dedication to producing high-performance façade systems that adhere to stringent building codes. This allows architects and building designers confidence in integrating Nichiha wall systems into their projects, knowing they conform to the highest standards of safety and efficiency.

About the Companies

Nichiha USA: Founded in Japan in 1956, Nichiha is a leading provider of durable cladding solutions for both commercial and residential sectors. The company employs over 3,000 individuals in 13 global locations, including a manufacturing facility in Macon, Georgia.

ClarkDietrich: As a top manufacturer of drywall systems and accessories, ClarkDietrich is recognized for their quality and extensive product lines, benefiting from national distribution and exceptional engineering support.

TRUFAST Walls: Based in Bryan, Ohio, the company specializes in engineered attachment solutions and is recognized for its reliable products within the construction market.

In conclusion, the new wall assembly developed by Nichiha, ClarkDietrich, and TRUFAST not only meets rigorous fire safety standards but also exemplifies the innovative spirit of the construction industry, creating safer buildings for the future.

For further details, visit Nichiha's official site.